What to Bring from Spain: Beyond Jamón — 4 Artisan Souvenirs Worth Packing

So how do you turn shopping in Spain into a special kind of adventure? Simple: you just need to know what to look for and where. Here are our recommendations!

A fan — a traditional gift from Spain, for both women and men.

You’d think you can grab one in any souvenir shop — but of course you want something special. Something real, right?

If your mind goes to flamenco when you think of fans, head to one of the Roberto Garrudo shops in Madrid or Seville. They’re flamenco dance stores, so you'll also find classic shawls, flamenco shoes — and yes, authentic castanets.

The oldest fan shop, working since the early 19th century, is in Madrid. Casa de Diego has been on Puerta del Sol since 1860, now run by the seventh generation of the same family. Their selection includes classic fans and shawls, walking sticks, and umbrellas.

For the most luxurious fans, you might want to go a bit outside Madrid — to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the summer residence of Spanish kings. Here, in the family-run shop La Reineta, you'll find exquisite fans from the Abanicos Madrid brand.

In Barcelona, seek out a hidden gem where you can pick a one-of-a-kind handmade fan — the workshop Tusitala Barcelona. It’s not easy to find, but absolutely worth it.

In Seville, the best selection of locally made fans — from lacework to hand-painted pieces — can be found at AireArte in the city center.

And while you’re in Seville, don’t miss Juan Foronda, a local brand with a century-long history. They specialize in hand-embroidered silk shawls, but you’ll also find fans to fit every taste and budget.

Espadrilles — what could be more Spanish than this light summer shoe with a rope sole?

In Spain, they’re also known as alpargatas.

Until the 1930s, espadrilles were considered humble footwear for peasants. But by the mid-20th century, thanks to Yves Saint Laurent, versions of espadrilles were being produced even by haute couture houses. Among their famous fans were Salvador Dalí and John F. Kennedy, Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin.

The most famous espadrille brands in Spain include Castañer from Girona, Paseart from Murcia, Vidoretta and Salvi from La Rioja, and Toni Pons — you’ll find their shoes in almost any major store.

But real, authentic espadrilles are still made by hand. So where can you find them?

In Madrid, head to Calzados Lobo for classic alpargatas. It’s one of the oldest family-run espadrille shops in Spain, located just steps from Plaza Mayor. Their red wooden storefront has been there since 1897, and inside you’ll find traditional slip-ons from Levante and La Rioja.

Looking for something more contemporary? Check out Alparlinas, a Madrid brand with a name that combines two words: alpargatas (espadrilles) and linos (linen). And not just any linen — they use century-old, handwoven fabrics carefully preserved over time. Each pair is numbered and comes with a certificate confirming its uniqueness. It’s quiet luxury, Spanish-style.

Another brand making rope-soled shoes with a modern twist is Paris/64, based in Zaragoza. Don’t let the name mislead you — it’s a purely Spanish brand, just with a touch of French flair. Their espadrilles are especially comfy thanks to a double gel insole. You’ll find them in Paris/64 stores in Madrid, Seville, Bilbao, and Zaragoza.

In Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao, visit the boutiques of mint&rose — a brand offering a stylish selection of summer shoes on jute soles. These aren’t your classic espadrilles, but rather fashion-forward designs in the spirit of slow fashion. Check out their Menorca model — pointed-toe espadrilles that highlight the shape of your feet.

In Seville, stop by Nuria Cobo, a local brand with a lovely collection of espadrilles — great for both casual and dressy occasions.

The most interesting espadrille experience in Barcelona? Visit the historic workshop La Manual, where you can watch the shoes being made by hand, order a custom pair, or choose one straight from the shelves. And here’s the best part — you can take a workshop and make a pair of Salvador Dalí’s favorite espadrilles with your own hands.

The family-owned brand Handmade welcomes you in Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Marbella. Their thing? One-of-a-kind espadrilles — no two pairs alike. The price reflects that. But a fun, more affordable option is to join one of their workshops, where in just an hour or two, you’ll craft your own pair of shoes.

On the Balearic Islands, especially Ibiza and Formentera, drop by a Manebí store for bright, stylish espadrilles made in Spain with Italian design.

And if you’re up for a little adventure, head to the birthplace of espadrilles — the province of La Rioja, to the small town of Cervera del Río Alhama. With fewer than 3,000 residents today, the town still boasts at least 15 espadrille workshops — some dating back to the early 1600s! The most famous brand from Cervera is Alhamas, founded by Lourdes Pomar, a local and a second-generation espadrille maker. At Alhamas, you’ll find pairs for any taste and occasion: flat or high-soled, everyday or fancy, and even bridal espadrilles for your big day. Not planning a trip to La Rioja? No problem — Alhamas has a boutique in the center of Alicante too.

The famous “blades from Toledo” can be found in almost every souvenir shop in Spain.

But unfortunately, not all of them live up to the high standards of quality and authenticity. Most items labeled as “Damascus steel” are actually fakes — just ordinary steel with engraved patterns. So if you see something like “Toledo Damascus Steel” etched on the blade, chances are it’s just a decorative souvenir.

Even in Toledo itself, where swords and knives are sold on every corner, you need to know the right places. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a "sword" made for photos, not with a real piece of local craftsmanship. If you’re looking for the real thing — handcrafted blades made using centuries-old techniques — head to the forge of Mariano Zamorano. It’s a family workshop where the craft is passed down from father to son.

They welcome everyone here: they’ll show you around, tell you the story, and let you feel the difference. Souvenir shops may dazzle you with shine, but here — you’ll feel the weight and power of real steel.

Wondering what you’d do with a sword? Well, how about giving it as a unique wedding gift? In Spain, there’s a tradition of cutting the first slice of the wedding cake with a sword — which then becomes a family heirloom. Pretty memorable, right?

And if you decide to buy or order a sword, they can ship it to your hotel or to almost any country — so you don’t have to lug around a heavy box or deal with customs.

Or you could go for something smaller — like a handcrafted knife.

Another secret spot in Toledo, known for top-quality blades and a wider selection, is Artesanías P. Maldonado. Many call it the best knife and sword shop in town — for its friendly service, craftsmanship, fair prices, and huge variety.

Here you’ll find everything from pocket knives to an exact replica of Jon Snow’s sword from Game of Thrones. Authentic Damascus steel knives from the Spanish factory Muela, throwing knives, tactical knives, kitchen knives — you name it!

And beyond blades, you’ll also find armor and crossbows, ornate wine goblets and horns, charming local ceramics in the Mudejar style, and even jewelry inspired by the medieval spirit of Toledo.

Plato rallador - the grater plate!

Now here’s something fun. Want to know the most truly Spanish souvenir that no guidebook will tell you about?

Memorize this name: plato rallador — the grater plate! This is the kind of ceramic plate with ridges at the bottom that Spaniards use to grate tomatoes for "pan con tomate" — that iconic Spanish bread with tomato.

And not just tomatoes — it works beautifully for cheese, garlic, nuts, and even chocolate.

How many people have tried to recreate pan con tomate at home… only to feel something’s missing? That’s because they didn’t have a plato rallador!

Most of Spain’s ceramics are made in the Córdoba region, and every respectable local producer includes grater plates in their collection. That means you’ll find them easily in almost any Spanish ceramics shop.

Want a souvenir that’s:
– useful in the kitchen,
– genuinely local,
– and reminds you of Spain with every breakfast toast?

Then skip the fridge magnets and grab yourself a plato rallador.